Citizen report leads to arrest of auto burglary suspects

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

POST FALLS — A report from an alert citizen who spotted a suspect going through vehicles at a Post Falls auto sales business early Monday morning led to the arrest of two men.

Justin Nelson, 21, Coeur d'Alene, was charged with conspiracy to commit auto burglary, possession of marijuana and driving without privileges.

"He may not have participated directly in the burglaries, but he knew what was going on and was the lookout person," Post Falls police Capt. Greg McLean said.

Vincent Brown, 22, Coeur d'Alene, was charged with auto burglary.

McLean said the suspects were seen by a citizen at the Auto Credit business at 120 W. Seltice Way next to the Golden Dragon restaurant at 2:42 a.m. Monday.

"The citizen was parked at the Jifi Stop (gas station) and could see a suspect going through cars," McLean said. "The cars had been left unlocked."

McLean said a tuner, stereo and off-road light bar were among the parts allegedly stolen.

When police responded to the business, the suspects were gone. However, the reporting party provided a description of the vehicle Nelson was driving. It was spotted by officers westbound on Seltice Way near Chase Road in Post Falls a short time later.

Nelson was pulled over, and the suspects confessed to the alleged crimes, according to police. The stolen property was recovered.